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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson